A timely brace from Ched Evans saw Sheffield United come from behind to beat Preston, climbing above their steel city rivals and into 2nd place. North End took the lead shortly after Thorsten Stuckmann saved a tame Evans penalty, but the Welsh striker restored parity just before the break and grabbed the winning goal 10 minutes from time.

Danny Mayor’s wondergoal gave Graham Westley his first win as PNE boss in what was an otherwise uninspired performance from the Lilywhites. The scintillating strike was one of only two shots that North End managed to hit the target with all game, but it was enough to seal the points and end Hartlepool’s five game unbeaten run.